Monitoring for Breast Cancer Recurrence Following Goldilocks Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

BACKGROUND:The Goldilocks breast reconstruction utilizes redundant mastectomy skin flaps to fashion a breast mound; however, imbrication of these skin flaps may predispose to fat necrosis and make detection of local breast cancer recurrence more difficult. Goldilocks patients follow a traditional post-mastectomy screening pathway that includes clinical examination for locoregional recurrence 1,2 , but it is unclear if this is sufficient. We evaluate our Goldilocks reconstruction case series to determine rates of diagnostic imaging, biopsy, locoregional and distant recurrence. METHODS:Sixty-six patients (94 breasts) undergoing Goldilocks breast reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed. Any diagnostic post-operative imaging/biopsies performed and confirmed local or distant breast cancer recurrence were noted.